15 things to do around Los Angeles

In and around L.A. – The famous Hollywood sign was erected in 1923. For a closer view, hike the nearby Hollyridge Trail.

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In and around L.A. – The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It features nearly 2,500 stars with about two added each month.

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In and around L.A. – The space shuttle Endeavour is drawing crowds to the California Science Center, where it arrived in the fall after a cross-country ferry flight aboard a modified Boeing 747.

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In and around L.A. – The Santa Monica Pier was built in 1909 as part of a sewage disposal system. The amusement park portion of the pier was built in 1916, and the sewage was phased out in the 1920s. It's all fun and food today.

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In and around L.A. – Drive down palm-lined Sunset Boulevard, a legendary Los Angeles thoroughfare immortalized in Billy Wilder's 1950 film of the same name.

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In and around L.A. – Soak up the atmosphere in Beverly Hills with a stroll down Rodeo Drive. Be prepared to window shop or max out your credit cards.

In and around L.A. – Explore world-class collections at the J. Paul Getty Museum's two locations. The Getty Villa in Malibu is home to major works from ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria. The Getty Center (pictured) in Los Angeles houses a wide range of European art and American photography.

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In and around L.A. – For a taste of Walt Disney's original resort, day-trip from Los Angeles to Disneyland in Anaheim.

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In and around L.A. – Sample some of Los Angeles' diverse flavors with a visit to the Koreatown neighborhood. While you're there, you can practice your golf swing at an urban driving range.

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In and around L.A. – For amazing city views go to Griffith Observatory. You can also take a look at the rest of the solar system at the planetarium, which was featured in the 1955 James Dean movie "Rebel Without a Cause."

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In and around L.A. – Venice Beach was a haven for the Beat Generation in the 1950s and '60s. Residents have much deeper pockets now, but the lively boardwalk still draws a diverse crowd of characters, offering great people-watching.

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In and around L.A. – What's a visit to Los Angeles without some movie magic? Universal Studios Hollywood offers a studio tour as well as blockbuster movie-themed rides.

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In and around L.A. – Head to Malibu for a sunset and a surf.

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In and around L.A. – Visit some of Hollywood's past luminaries at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.